Nation in brief: Tylenol may affect kids’ shots

Giving babies Tylenol to prevent fever when they get childhood vaccinations may backfire and make the shots a little less effective, surprising new research suggests.

It is the first major study to tie reduced immunity to the use of fever-lowering medicines. Although the effect was small and the vast majority of kids still got enough protection from vaccines, the results make “a compelling case” against routinely giving Tylenol right after vaccination, say doctors from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study only looked at preventive use of Tylenol or its generic twin, acetaminophen – not whether it is OK to use after a fever develops.

Judge won’t let mixed races wed

New Orleans – A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.

Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, said Thursday it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.

“I’m not a racist. I just don’t believe in mixing the races that way,” Bardwell told the Associated Press.

Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about marriage if they are a mixed-race couple. If they are, he does not marry them, he said.

Beth Humphrey, 30, and Terence McKay, 32, both of Hammond, La., said they will consult the U.S. Justice Department about filing a discrimination complaint.

Humphrey said she called Bardwell on Oct. 6 to inquire about getting a marriage license signed. She said Bardwell’s wife told her that Bardwell will not sign marriage licenses for interracial couples.

“That was one thing that made this so unbelievable,” said Humphrey, an account manager for a marketing firm. “It’s not something you expect in this day and age.”

Tropical storm gaining strength

Miami – Forecasters said Tropical Storm Rick is quickly gaining strength off Mexico’s western coast, and it could become a hurricane by today.

On Thursday night, the storm was centered about 345 miles south-southeast of Acapulco.